Celebrating the Art, Craft and Business of Animation https://www.awn.com/ en-US 15 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:59:32 -0800 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:11 -0800 https://www.awn.com/news/tiny-chef-takes-over-california-academy-sciences Opening this past Saturday, the new planetarium film and exhibit celebrates regeneration and climate action through the beloved character’s whimsical felted lens. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/tiny-chef-takes-over-california-academy-sciences Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:59:32 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/disney-and-snap-launch-zootopia-2-activations-and-snapchat-ar-lenses New campaign includes in-person immersive experiences at Los Angeles locations like The Grove and The Americana as well as 7 new lenses based on characters from the film. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/disney-and-snap-launch-zootopia-2-activations-and-snapchat-ar-lenses Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:18:32 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/prime-video-announces-hazbin-hotel-live-broadway-musical-event Fans can request tickets for a chance to attend the show on October 20 at The Majestic Theater in New York; will stream at a later date. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/prime-video-announces-hazbin-hotel-live-broadway-musical-event Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:56:00 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/infinity-festival-announces-2025-speaker-line Event to showcase the intersection of technology and entertainment with speakers from HP, NVIDIA, AMD, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Dolby, and The Belgium Economic Mission; event runs October 9–10. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/infinity-festival-announces-2025-speaker-line Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:40:42 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/nickelodeon-celebrate-avatar-last-airbender-new-york-comic-con The ‘Avatar’ booth will bring the 4 elements to life through immersive experiences and special photo opportunities in tribute to 20 years of the franchise; NYCC 2025 runs October 9-12. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/nickelodeon-celebrate-avatar-last-airbender-new-york-comic-con Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:36:10 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/animationworld/tokyo-exhibition-pays-tribute-leiji-matsumoto Anime columnist Andrew Osmond profiles the great artist, famed for ‘Galaxy Express 999,’ ‘Captain Harlock’ and ‘Space Battleship Yamato,’ and offers a glimpse of what’s on show. Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/tokyo-exhibition-pays-tribute-leiji-matsumoto Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:59:25 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/animationworld/new-exhibition-celebrates-legendary-director-isao-takahata Anime columnist Andrew Osmond shares a pictorial overview of a new installation in Tokyo – soon heading to Paris – honoring the feted helmer of ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’ and ‘Grave of the Fireflies.’ Andrew Osmond https://www.awn.com/animationworld/new-exhibition-celebrates-legendary-director-isao-takahata Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:10:40 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/jeff-lehman-appointed-dneg-ixp-executive-producer With over 20 years of experience leading large-scale global projects for Universal Destinations & Experiences, the creative exec will help lead the company’s Immersive Experiences Division. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/jeff-lehman-appointed-dneg-ixp-executive-producer Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:21:52 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/academy-museum-motion-pictures-announces-2026-exhibitions Upcoming exhibits include ‘Studio Ghibli’s PONYO,’ opening February 14, 2026; ‘Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon,’ opening May 31, 2026; ‘Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA’ opening December 13, 2026. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/academy-museum-motion-pictures-announces-2026-exhibitions Tue, 10 Jun 2025 2:38:28 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/week-celebration-hungarian-animation-annecy-2025 This year’s festival pays tribute to the country’s rich heritage of animated films dating back 110 years; program includes 10 curated film screenings, 4 heritage feature screenings, numerous films in competition, art installations throughout the city, and the Hungarian Dome immersive theater installation. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/week-celebration-hungarian-animation-annecy-2025 Sat, 07 Jun 2025 8:53:55 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/pittsburgh-pirates-fred-rogers-productions-partner-drone-show The ‘A Beautiful Night in the Neighborhood’ experience, which includes images of Mister Rogers and characters from the ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ animated series, will follow the final out of the New York Mets vs. Pirates game on June 27 at PNC Park. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/pittsburgh-pirates-fred-rogers-productions-partner-drone-show Wed, 28 May 2025 15:14:13 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/seymour-marine-discovery-center-halon-team-preserve-cultural-landmark LiDAR scans of over 300 bones from Ms. Blue, the largest outdoor blue whale skeleton on display in the United States, led to a digital replica, AR display, educational lessons, and 3D printed replacements. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/seymour-marine-discovery-center-halon-team-preserve-cultural-landmark Thu, 01 May 2025 13:33:23 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/harry-potter-shop-headed-chicago Opening April 10, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned store will offer multiple ‘Harry Potter’-themed areas, exclusive merchandise, props, and a Butterbeer Bar. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/harry-potter-shop-headed-chicago Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:01:51 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/lg-electronics-announces-2025-wonderbox-showcase-digital-art-competition The college-level competition to raise endangered species awareness is inspired by NBC’s 10-part television event, ‘The Americas;’ winning entries to be featured on LG's Times Square billboard. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/lg-electronics-announces-2025-wonderbox-showcase-digital-art-competition Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:00:06 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/tom-and-jerry-celebrate-85-years-products-experiences-and-tv-programming The iconic Warner Bros. Discovery duo begins the year-long celebration with a global rollout of experiences, TV programming, and products featuring partnerships with CASETiFY, Converse, Funko, Loungefly, and others. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/tom-and-jerry-celebrate-85-years-products-experiences-and-tv-programming Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:18:07 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/anime-tokyo-station-announces-oshi-no-ko-anime-series-exhibition The free program runs from February 8 - May 6, and will include key scenes from the anime, life-sized panels of characters, photo spots, and a ‘live’ B-KOMACHI performance experience. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/anime-tokyo-station-announces-oshi-no-ko-anime-series-exhibition Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:19:12 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/national-portrait-gallery-cinesite-and-frameless-team-uk-immersive-experience ‘National Portrait Gallery Unframed’ will launch with ‘Stories – Brought to Life,’ which explores the people who have shaped the UK’s history and culture; touring art experience premieres at MediaCity, Salford, Greater Manchester in May. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/national-portrait-gallery-cinesite-and-frameless-team-uk-immersive-experience Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:49:10 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/casting-announced-my-neighbor-totoro-2025-west-end-run Victoria Chen joins the cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company show as Mei, while Ami Okumura Jones returns as Satsuki alongside Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tateas as Granny, and Ai Ninomiyaas as the Singer; coming to the Gillian Lynne Theatre March 8 - November 2. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/casting-announced-my-neighbor-totoro-2025-west-end-run Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:01:16 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/bluey-join-disneys-us-theme-parks-and-cruise-line Beginning January 2025, voyages originating from Australia and New Zealand will feature interactions with Bluey and Bingo, from special meet-and-greets to an interactive and clue-filled game that ends in a dance party. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/bluey-join-disneys-us-theme-parks-and-cruise-line Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:02:07 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/dr-jacquelyn-ford-morie-receive-ves-georges-m-li-s-award The acclaimed virtual reality/immersive technology pioneer will be presented with the award at the 23rd Annual VES Awards on February 11, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton hotel. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/dr-jacquelyn-ford-morie-receive-ves-georges-m-li-s-award Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:11:18 PST Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/animationworld/pixar-toy-story-3d-zoetrope-returns-academy-museum On display through July 2025, back by popular demand, the unique, large scale zoetrope features characters from animation studio’s famed franchise, giving visitors a birds-eye view of the optical illusion that makes all moving pictures possible. Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/animationworld/pixar-toy-story-3d-zoetrope-returns-academy-museum Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:22:28 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/asifa-hollywood-announces-2024-faculty-grants Organization’s Animation Educators Forum awards support individuals or groups with their research, scholarly activity, or creative projects in animation; 6 selected projects share in over $19K in funding. Debbie Diamond Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/asifa-hollywood-announces-2024-faculty-grants Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:52:08 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/immersive-adventure-bluey-x-camp-headed-new-york-city Starting December 6, fans can step inside Bluey's house in real life at CAMP’s 5th Avenue flagship location. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/immersive-adventure-bluey-x-camp-headed-new-york-city Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:33:10 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/star-trek-invites-fans-take-chair-make-impact In celebration of the 5th annual ‘Star Trek Day,’ franchise launches global campaign aimed at giving back; pop-up fan activations set for Chicago, Vancouver, and Berlin and select ‘Star Trek’ episodes stream free September 7-13 across Paramount+ platforms. Debbie Diamond Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/star-trek-invites-fans-take-chair-make-impact Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:14:37 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/stranger-things-first-shadow-stage-play-hit-broadway The show, which serves as prequel to the beloved Netflix series, will run at the Marquis Theatre in 2025 beginning March 28 ahead of opening night on April 22.  L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/stranger-things-first-shadow-stage-play-hit-broadway Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:21:16 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/digital-domain-plaza-premium-team-ai-powered-hospitality-services The joint venture, setup as a separate business, aims to redefine the global hospitality and airport services landscape with digital human technology and AI; the virtual assistant has made its global debut at the Plaza Premium Lounge at Taoyuan International Airport. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/digital-domain-plaza-premium-team-ai-powered-hospitality-services Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:45:08 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/seattles-bumbershoot-returns-new-animation-district Now in its 51st year, the iconic arts and music festival adds a stellar lineup of animated fare for 2024 that includes in-person presentations by ‘Nimona’ director Troy Quane, ‘Ultraman: Rising’ director Shannon Tindle, ‘Across the Spider-Verse’ VFX supervisor Mike Lasker and production designer Patrick O’Keefe, a Big Fake Deep Foot competition, and a host of installations and screenings as part of a robust Visual Arts program happening around the Seattle Center Campus.   Dan Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/seattles-bumbershoot-returns-new-animation-district Fri, 24 May 2024 10:06:58 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/animationworld/fusing-opera-and-origin-o-erick-oh-retrospective-exhibition The Oscar-nominated director returns to Korea with a breathtaking set of seven media installations, integrating his award-winning animated short and 2022 Seoul Space K animated project, for a 2-year run at the new House of Refuse complex on Jeju Island. Victoria Davis https://www.awn.com/animationworld/fusing-opera-and-origin-o-erick-oh-retrospective-exhibition Thu, 16 May 2024 11:23:59 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/disney-jr-live-tour-lets-play-kicks-fall-2024 'Disney Jr.’s Ariel' debuts alongside popular Disney Jr. characters from ‘Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends’ and ‘SuperKitties;’ starts September 17 in Costa Mesa, California with shows slated across 60 U.S. cities. Debbie Diamond Sarto https://www.awn.com/news/disney-jr-live-tour-lets-play-kicks-fall-2024 Tue, 14 May 2024 12:16:02 PDT Theme Parks - Installations https://www.awn.com/news/harry-potter-visions-magic-headed-singapore Resorts World Sentosa will host the unique multimedia spectacle, which made its international debut in Germany; 10,000 square feet of expanded space are being added when the event opens Fall 2024. L'Wren Alexa https://www.awn.com/news/harry-potter-visions-magic-headed-singapore Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:15:51 PDT Theme Parks - Installations